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Prostatectomy vs Photon radiation vs Proton Beam Therapy
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 15, 2025 | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
It is a good idea that you requested a genomic test like Decipher or GPS. That is because not all 3+4 or 4+3 cancers are the same. For exmple, my initial biopsy report showed 3+4, and only 1 out of 18 cores. But a GPS genomic test before surgery came at 47 (very aggressive and high risk cancer), indicating that my initial biopsy report did not detect the wolf in sheep's clothing. A Decipher test after surgery came up with a score of .75 exposing again the wolf in sheep's clothing.
Once all your tests are completed, and your initial risk profile is determined you have multiple treatment options. And like you suggested, you will have to weigh many factors before selecting the best treatment options for you. These factors include insurance coverage (or not), efficacy, side effects, convenience etc.
Fortunatley, you are in an excellent forum where you can weigh these options by learning from the experience of others.
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@soli thank you for your input. It’s a challenging time to make life altering decisions. I have no symptoms. Everything is by test eg initial PSA then MRI or biopsy results. Radical Prostate removal does get the cancer out and possibly reserves radiation for any reoccurrence - but it comes with what’s seems higher potential side effects that may impact one’s quality of life. Radiation has its own longer term effects and as I hear here rules out sugury in the future. Both options seem to be statistically effective but each person is different. If you have a genetic mutation that raises reoccurrence. Like you, the aggressiveness of the underlying disease is a factor. I will gather a little more intel and meet with a RO. Thanks for your time. Stay healthy.